The holiday season has now arrived and we are reminded of reasons that we are thankful. It is a time of gratitude for the numerous ways in which we have experienced abundance in our lives. For many of us, it is also a time to reflect on years past and to engage in a tradition of setting goals for the coming year

Travel is common and some of us who are struggling with addictive behaviors need to be especially vigilant about the “travel beast” (that inner voice that attempts to convince us that we will not suffer the same consequences of our misguided behaviors when we are away from home). We may find additional needs for support surrounding uncomfortable issues as we experience our families that are otherwise distant for most of the year. Holiday gatherings can also remind us of how some of our families have not yet accepted us for who we are.

At times I struggle with gratitude as I face my own darkness. Yet, I have huge support in my life which was initiated at a time of my greatest adversity. Possibly you have had a similar experience. It seems to me that there is no greater gift than that of a friend who has survived jointly experienced tribulation.

I am personally grateful to the presence of the Men’s Center for over 31 years as a place where men can gather and receive support around sharing their experiences and their desires to grow. It is an important part of my family of choice. It is a place where I feel free to express my truth without the fear of negative judgments. I hope to see many of you during this holiday season at the Men’s Center.

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and prosperity in the new year,

Bobby Schauerhamer,
Board Chair

–– Ray Clare, Librarian

Annual Meeting Notice & Proxy Statement

The Men's Center Annual Meeting will be on

Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 9 am

at the Men's Center in suite 55, 3249 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, Mn

The Annual Meeting will include election of new members to the Board of Directors, thanks to our volunteers, review of our achievements this past year, and socializing with your fellow Men's Center members. We have moved forward on many projects this year so come and celebrate what has been done and where we are going. If you have any questions, call the Men's Center offices at 612-822-5892.

The Men's Center By-Laws require a quorum of members to elect new board members. The Men Talk mailing constitutes notice to all active members that a vote will be conducted by those members who are present at this meeting. If you cannot attend and wish to vote, please return your ballot page to TMC prior to Jan 12, 2008. Please include your address label. All members who do not vote by mail or in person, consent to the appointment of the Chair and the Vice-Chair the power to vote on their behalf, on all matters that come before the Annual Meeting.